Leaving your pet while you go away on business or on vacation can be a stressful experience all round. You will worry that no-one can care for him like you can and that he will be miserable and anxious without you. One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t spend your holiday worrying about him is to make sure that you choose the best dog boarding kennels available in your area.
Start by making a list of the names and addresses of all dog kennels in your local area. Both the internet and local newspapers will be a useful source of information. Once you have done this then ask around friends and people you meet while out walking your dog whether they have heard of any of them. Take note of any that are recommended and cross out any that have bad stories attached to them.
Once you have your shortlist then make an appointment to go and visit. Make sure that you get a full guided tour so that you can check on the cleanliness of the runs and can see how content the animals there are. If every dog kennel houses a miserable, whining dog then beware. Check on what would happen if your dog fell ill in the middle of the night and whether they have a policy of checking that occupants are up to date with their jabs.
Find out how frequently the dogs are exercised and their runs cleaned out. Some kennels will have added extras like a dog groomer who will wash and brush your dog on the day before you are due to collect him or the opportunity for your dog to play with others who are staying at the kennels too.
Only once you are fully satisfied with the level of care on offer should you book your dog in for his stay.
Buying a dog kennel can be a daunting task for some, especially if this is your first time or even your first pet experience. It really isn’t that hard to find one that’s right for your dog, the most important factor is obviously going to be the size of your dog. Is it a small breed or large? Is it a puppy or full grown? All of these matter when making an investment in a dog kennel as you should buy one that your dog will feel comfortable in and therefore will not mind traveling in it. A good rule of thumb for kennel size is that a dog should be able to walk into a kennel and turn around completely without much resistance from the walls.
The height of the walls is also important. The height of walls for dog kennels is determined by the size of the dog as well as tendency to climb into these walls during play. There are even some dogs that naturally like holding onto walls. For such dogs, you had better buy a tall kennel. The height should be such that it provides enough security to the dog so that it doesn’t feel as if its been squeezed into a tiny box.
Local regulations will sometimes play a part in what type of dog kennel you should purchase. In some states, there are some restrictions put up by local authorities regarding placement of dog kennels on one’s property. Local ordinances might require you to ensure the kennel is positioned a long distance from property lines. The laws might also define the space that you should dedicate for the kennel in your home. Make sure you understand the laws that apply in your area as the last thing you’d want your friends to find out about is that not only do you have to return your new dog kennel, but that you also have to pay a fine because of it.
The amount of time your dog will be inside the kennel is a big factor to consider when trying to find the perfect dog kennel for your four-legged friend. Some kennels are not designed for only travel-purposes, while others can be as an every-day ‘home’ for your pet. If you plan on using the kennel as a home, or expect to be using it for any long-term traveling, you should invest in a kennel that gives the dog enough room to move around and feel comfortable. Once again if you have a small breed of dog then you might consider using a pet-carrier instead of a kennel as they are typically designed for short-term traveling and will make for a more enjoyable trip for both you and your pet.
A quick little bit on what to do with your kennel once you’ve made your purchase, dog kennels should be positioned in areas with natural shade if at all possible. If there is no such a place within your property, you should buy only those dog kennels that have a roof. The roof should be of the variety that does not retain a lot of heat on the inside of the kennel. Excessive exposure to the hot sun is not healthy for your pets. You therefore need to pay careful attention to the roofing of the kernel as well as the positioning.
Dennis is a pro at finding the best deals on dog kennels and answers pet questions on his website found at onlinepetanswers.com